An Argument for Administrative Critical Consciousness in Public Administration. (3rd September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wright Fields, Christina; Conyers, Addrain
• Is Part Of: Public integrity. Volume 24:Number 4/5(2022)
• Page Start: 414
• Page End: 421
• Publication Date: 2022-09-03
• Subjects: Administrative critical consciousness -- critical consciousness -- empathy -- equity -- engagement -- ethics; Civil service ethics -- United States -- Periodicals; Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects -- United States -- Periodicals; Political ethics -- United States -- Periodicals; Civil service ethics -- Periodicals; Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; Political ethics -- Periodicals; Civil service ethics; Political ethics; Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects; United States; PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION; CIVIL SERVICE; MORAL ASPECTS; POLITICAL ETHICS; Periodicals; 172
• DOI: 10.1080/10999922.2022.2034340
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1099-9922

Abstract

Abstract: Recent public administration scholarship has been challenging the unresponsiveness of leaders due to their unethical and inequitable practices. To address this challenge, this article presents an administrative critical consciousness (ACC) framework to purposefully identify and address societal oppressions. ACC derives from Paulo Freire's critical consciousness and focuses on the ability for individuals to identify and act against an oppressive regime. ACC is a conceptual lens for leaders to acknowledge and intentionally dismantle the longstanding inequities manifested in their institutions and organizations. The authors explore the relationship between engagement, empathy, ethics, and equity in ACC. When administrators utilize an ACC perspective they essentially become more engaged and empathetic, optimistically resulting in more ethical and equitable practices within society. Lastly, the authors describe how ACC occurs when administrators engage in critical consciousness to support and implement transformative action.